Van der Valk grabs early Calatagan lead

Dutchman Guido Van der Valk turned sharp coming home to tally a 3-under 69 and grabbed the early lead over Jhonnel Ababa and five other locals in the ICTSI Calatagan Golf Challenge at Calatagan Golf Club in Batangas Wednesday.

Even par following a bogey on No. 3 coming home, Van der Valk canned back-to-back birdies from No. 4 then made another on the eighth to rally with a 34 and led Ababa and company by one shot.

Tied with Ababa were Jay Bayron, Rufino Bayron, Zanieboy Gialon and Gerald Rosales and 2000 Philippine Open champion Gerald Rosales.

Tony Lascuña settled for a one-under 71 to lead another big group, including Mhark Fernando, Anthony Fernando, Reymon Jaraula, James Ryan Lam and Rolando Marabe Jr.

Clyde Mondilla’s bid for a third straight win hit a rut with three bogeys in the first four holes and carded 73. —ROY LUARCA